Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "kindred" in the Bible generally refers to one's family, relatives, or clan. It encompasses the broader family unit beyond the immediate household, including extended family members and sometimes even the tribe or nation. The concept of kindred is significant in biblical narratives, as it often relates to inheritance, land rights, and social responsibilities.
Old Testament Context:In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "kindred" is "mishpachah," which can mean family, clan, or tribe. The importance of kindred is evident in the patriarchal narratives, where family lineage and tribal affiliations are crucial. For example, in
Genesis 24:4, Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own kindred: "but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac" . This highlights the importance of maintaining familial and cultural ties.
The concept of kindred also plays a role in the laws concerning the redemption of property and the levirate marriage, as seen in the Book of Ruth. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, marries Ruth to preserve the family line and property of Elimelech, Ruth's deceased father-in-law (
Ruth 4:9-10).
New Testament Context:In the New Testament, the Greek word "suggenes" is used to denote kindred or relatives. The emphasis on kindred relationships continues, though the focus shifts somewhat with the advent of the Christian community. Jesus redefines familial bonds in a spiritual sense, emphasizing the family of God over biological ties. In
Matthew 12:50, Jesus states, "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" .
Despite this spiritual redefinition, the New Testament still acknowledges the importance of caring for one's family. In
1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" .
Theological Significance:Theologically, the concept of kindred underscores the importance of community and relational bonds in God's design for humanity. The family unit is seen as a microcosm of the larger community of faith. The Bible presents kindred relationships as a means of preserving faith, culture, and divine promises across generations.
In the broader narrative of Scripture, kindred ties are both a source of blessing and a potential source of conflict. The accounts of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers illustrate the complexities of familial relationships. Yet, these narratives also demonstrate God's sovereignty and redemptive purposes working through family dynamics.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kindred relationships were foundational to social structure. Families were responsible for the welfare of their members, and kinship ties often determined one's social and economic status. Marriages were frequently arranged within the kindred to strengthen family alliances and preserve property within the clan.
The biblical emphasis on kindred reflects these cultural realities while also pointing to a higher spiritual truth. The family of God, as revealed in the New Testament, transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of kindred is multifaceted, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. It highlights the importance of family and community in God's plan, while also pointing to the ultimate kinship found in the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Relationship by birth or marriage; consanguinity; affinity; kin.
2. (n.) Relatives by blood or marriage, more properly the former; relations; persons related to each other.
3. (a.) Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as, kindred souls; kindred skies; kindred propositions.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KINDREDkin'-dred: Several words are rendered "kindred" in the King James Version. 'ach, "brother," was used loosely among Hebrews for a member of the same tribe or family, a relative; and is once translated "kindred" (1 Chronicles 12:29 the King James Version). Once also somewhat loosely as the translation of modha`ath, literally, "acquaintance" (Ruth 3:2; compare same root in 2:1, rendered "kinsman"); once, for the, figurative expression, "men of thy redemption" (ge'ullah, referring to the law of the redemption of land by kinsmen,Leviticus 25:25). The two most common words for kindred are: (1) moledheth, "related by birth" (Genesis 12:1;Genesis 24:4, 7; 31:3, 13; 32:09:00; 43:7Numbers 10:30Esther 2:10, 20;Esther 8:6); (2) mishpachah, "family" (Genesis 24:38, 40, 41Joshua 6:23Ruth 2:31 Chronicles 16:28Job 32:2Psalm 22:27;Psalm 96:7).
In the New Testament (several times), genos, "kindred by birth," so, of same family, tribe or race (Acts 4:6;Acts 7:13, 19 the Revised Version (British and American) "race"); so also suggeneia (Luke 1:61Acts 7:3, 14). In the King James Version phule, "tribe," rendered "kindred" (Revelation 1:7;Revelation 5:9;Revelation 7:9;Revelation 11:9;Revelation 13:7; 14:6), but better "tribe" as in the Revised Version (British and American). patria, rendered "kindred" inActs 3:25, is better "families," as in the Revised Version (British and American).
Edward Bagby Pollard
Greek
4772. suggeneia -- kinship, hence kinfolk, relatives... kinfolk, relatives. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: suggeneia Phonetic
Spelling: (soong-ghen'-i-ah) Short Definition:
kindred, family Definition
...4561. sarx -- flesh
... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sarx Phonetic Spelling: (sarx) Short Definition:
flesh, body Definition: flesh, body, human nature, materiality;kindred...
5443. phule -- a clan or tribe
...kindred, tribe. From phuo (compare phullon); an offshoot, ie Race or clan --kindred,
tribe. see GREEK phuo. see GREEK phullon. (phulai) -- 2 Occurrences....
3965. patria -- lineage, family
... tribe. Word Origin from pater Definition lineage, family NASB Word Usage
families (1), family (2). lineage, family,kindred. As if...
129. haima -- blood
... literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially
(the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, alsokindred -- blood....
5575 -- false witness.
... false witness. From pseudes and akindred form of martus; a spurious witness, ie
Bearer of untrue testimony -- false witness. see GREEK pseudes....
2473. isopsuchos -- like-minded
... conviction. See also 2 Pet 1:1.]. Word Origin from isos and psuche Definition
like-minded NASB Word Usagekindred spirit (1). like minded....
2064. erchomai -- to come, go
... Middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the
others being supplied by akindred (middle voice) eleuthomai el-yoo'-thom...
5387. philostorgos -- tenderly loving
... From philos and storge (cherishing one'skindred, especially parents or children);
fond of natural relatives, ie Fraternal towards fellow Christian -- kindly...
1736. endemeo -- to be in one's own country, to be at home
... in," intensifying 1218 , "people bonded together by a particular identity") -- properly,
be present (), as amongst one's own type of (kindred, related) people....
Strong's Hebrew
4138. moledeth --kindred, birth, offspring... moledeth. 4139 .
kindred, birth, offspring. Transliteration: moledeth Phonetic
Spelling: (mo-leh'-deth) Short Definition: birth.
... begotten, born, issue,
kindred...4130. modaath --kindred, kinship
... modaath or modaath. 4131 .kindred, kinship. Transliteration: modaath or modaath
Phonetic Spelling: (mo-dah'-ath) Short Definition: kinsman....kindred....
251. ach -- a brother
... nephew* (2), other (7), relative (7), relatives (80). another, brotherly;
kindred, like, other. A primitive word; a brother (used in...
1353. geullah -- redemption, perhaps kin
... rights (1), right of redemption (3).kindred, redeem, redemption, right.
Feminine passive participle of ga'al; redemption (including...
7608. shaarah -- near kinswomen
... Word Origin fem. of sheer, qv. near kinswomen Feminine of sh'er; femalekindred
by blood -- near kinswomen. see HEBREW sh'er. 7607, 7608. shaarah. 7609 ....
5997. amith -- an associate, fellow, relation
... another, fellow, neighbor. From a primitive root meaning to associate; companionship;
hence (concretely) a comrade orkindred man -- another, fellow, neighbour....
4940. mishpachah -- a clan
... 170), family (120), kinds (1), relatives (4), tribes (1). family,kindred.
From shaphah (compare shiphchah); a family, ie Circle of...
7138. qarob -- near
... Or qarob {kaw-robe'}; from qarab; near (in place,kindred or time) -- allied, approach,
at hand, + any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin...
7607. sheer -- flesh
... From sha'ar; flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any
kind; figuratively,kindred by blood -- body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman...
Library
Christ'sKindred
... CHRIST'SKINDRED. 'There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing
without, sent unto Him, calling Him.32. And the multitude...
An Examination of theKindred of Mind to Nature: Wherein, by Way...
... III."Philosophical Works. VI. An examination of thekindred of mind to nature: wherein,
by way of digression, is refuted the doctrine of the Anomoeans ....
Death ofKindred Improved.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:47. [Supplement.] Death ofkindred improved. 1 Must
friends andkindred drop and die? And helpers be withdrawn?...
Death ofKindred Improved. Zech. 1:05
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 47 Death ofkindred improved.
Zech. 1:5. CM Death ofkindred improved. Zech.1:5....
Archelaus Goes to Rome with a Great Number of hisKindred. He is...
... CHAPTER 2. Archelaus Goes To Rome With A Great Number Of HisKindred. He
Is There Accused Before Caesar By Antipater; But Is Superior...
How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the...
... How Antipater Is Hated Of All Men; And How The King Espouses The Sons Of Those That
Had Been Slain To HisKindred; But That Antipater Made Him Change Them For...
Good-Will Exists Especially in the Church, and NourishesKindred...
... Good-will exists especially in the Church, and nourisheskindred virtues.?
Good-will exists especially in the Church, and nourisheskindred virtues. 170....
That Our Irrational Passions have their Rise fromKindred with...
... III."Philosophical Works. XVIII. That our irrational passions have their
rise fromkindred with irrational nature. 1. For I think...
Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an...
... CHAPTER 3. Concerning The Flood; And After What Manner Noah Was Saved In An Ark,
With HisKindred, And Afterwards Dwelt In The Plain Of Shinar....
The Church is Declared Heir of those who Leave noKindred; and the...
... Book II. Chapter XXXVI."The Church is declared Heir of those who leave
noKindred; and the Free Gifts of such Persons Confirmed....
Thesaurus
Kindred (41 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as,
kindred souls;
kindred skies;
kindred propositions. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
KINDRED.
...Kinsman (29 Occurrences)
... suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship
of varying degrees of nearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3...
Kinswoman (4 Occurrences)
... suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship
of varying degrees of nearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3...
Unkind (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Having no race orkindred; childless. 2. (a.)
Not kind; contrary to nature, or the law of kind orkindred; unnatural....
Family (438 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Those who descend from one common progenitor; a tribe, clan, or race;kindred;
house; as, the human family; the family of Abraham; the father of a...
Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Esther 2:10 Esther had not made known her people nor herkindred; for
Mordecai had charged her that she should not tell it. (See RSV)....
Pharaoh (245 Occurrences)
... They were of Semitic origin, and ofkindred blood accordingly with Abram. They
were probably driven forward by the pressure of the Hittites....
Philosophy (1 Occurrence)
... Each was surrounded by a court of spiritual beingskindred to himself, his messengers
and agents in the world (see PERSIAN RELIGION (ANCIENT))....
Parable (52 Occurrences)
... The etymological features of the word, as well as the relation of parables to other
andkindred devices of style, are discussed more fully by Ed....
Depart (211 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Acts 7:3 And said to him, Depart from thy country,
and from thykindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee....
Resources
What is storge love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Abraham promised land that belonged to others (Genesis 12)? | GotQuestions.orgKindred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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